Bio of CLERIHEW, Alexander E. (b.1861), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest;
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev.
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical);
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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ALEXANDER E. CLERIHEW - Vol II, pg 237-238
Among the large mercantile enterprises contributing steadily to the commercial
development and progress of Minneapolis is that of Forman, Ford & Company, whole
sale dealers in glass and paints and paint manufacturers. Of this company
Alexander E. Clerihew is the president and his sound business judgment is
manifest in the successful control of the enterprise under his direction. Born
in New York city, on the 9th of November, 1861, he is a son of Alexander M. and
Emily Van Wyck (House) Clerihew. The father, a native of Scotland, emigrated to
the United States about 1835, settling in Pompton, New Jersey, whence he
afterward removed to New York city. He engaged in the wholesale dry goods
business throughout his life and after carrying on business in the eastern
metropolis for some time he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence came to
Minneapolis with his family, in the year 1884. Here he was engaged in the
wholesale business to the time of his death, being a member of the firm of
Shotwell, Clerihew & Lothmann, wholesale dry goods merchants. Progressiveness
ruled him at every point in his career and constituted a basic element in the
attainment of gratifying success. He passed away in 1908. His wife, a native of
the Empire state, died in the year 1918. They were the parents of three
children: Mrs. R. K. Buckman, Jr., and Mrs. Anson C. Morgan, both of Highland
Park, Illinois; and Alexander E.
Alexander E. Clerihew was educated in the public schools of Montclair, New
Jersey, and of Cincinnati, Ohio, before entering Princeton University, in which
he remained a student for two and a half years. In February, 1884, he came to
Minneapolis with his parents and was here employed by his father's firm,
Shotwell, Clerihew & Lothmann. On the 1st of January, 1890, he became associated
with Forman, Ford & Company as credit man. The business was incorporated on the
1st of January, 1905, at which time Mr. Clerihew became the secretary, and on
the 1st of January, 1906, he was elected to the dual office of vice president
and treasurer. Thus he continued to serve the company until the 1st of July,
1910, when he was elected president and treasurer, and remains in these offices
to the present time. He is largely instrumental in establishing the policy and
directing the destiny of the house, which is enjoying a period of substantial
advancement and growth. Mr. Clerihew has worked his way steadily upward with the
company from the position of credit man, passing through various grades and
promotions until he reached the highest office of the firm. This is one of the
largest houses of the kind in the city and its continued growth is an indication
of the splendid business ability and initiative spirit of Alexander E. Clerihew.
He is also the vice president of the Northern Linseed Oil Company, a position
which he has occupied since July, 1910. Various other interests and corporations
have also benefited by his cooperation. Since the 10th of January, 1911, he has
been one of the directors of the First National Bank and in 1919 he was elected
vice president of the National Glass Distributors Association, holding the
office for a year, at the end of which time he was chosen to the presidency of
that concern.
On the 9th of November, 1886, Mr. Clerihew was united in marriage to Miss Evelyn
J. Forman, a daughter of the late Frank W. Forman, at one time senior partner of
Forman, Ford & Company. Mr. and Mrs. Clerihew have a daughter, Catharine, who is
the wife of George Norton Northrop of New York city. Not only does Mr.
Clerihew's name find high place on the business records of Minneapolis, but also
in connection with the club interests of the city, for he has membership in the
Minneapolis Club, the Minikahda Club, the Lafayette Club and the Automobile Club
and likewise in the University Club of Chicago. His is the record of a strenuous
life-the record of a strong individuality, sure of itself, stable in purpose,
quick in perception, swift in decisions, and energetic and persistent in action.